Apologies in advance for the length, but I have a lot to say.
I thought the Chronicle did a good job of capturing why people might not think now is a good time for a bond this size. “From the get-go, Miles has been dogged by sloppy implementation, tone deaf communication and basic logistics flubs. “ I can list lots, but remember when he sent out the email that said teachers couldn’t be absent after a holiday or staff development day. Totally unenforceable like someone can control when kids are sick or their husband dies. Of course, he had to back off, but he made a lot of people mad for no gain, or recently when one of his folks nixed the band trip to the Sugar Bowl and the Houston mayor had to step in and get reversed.
“Recently, even some on the board of managers, typically amenable to Miles’ agenda, signaled concern about the district’s finances, passing Miles’ $2.1 billion budget by only a slim 5-4 margin.”
These are the hand picked folks who are always in lock step. They are not the union. Miles isn’t great with money, and this budget isn’t at all equitable for low SES children. He took from the majority of students to fund- expand his NES project/bricks and mortar funding. A higher number of children are in non NES schools including a higher number of low ses students. These schools were already under funded, and the result was teacher cuts. Further, the vast majority of enrollment loss last year was in NES schools.
“He seems bent on fixing what isn’t broken, which isn’t only a waste of limited resources, it’s potentially harmful if attempts to bring up the floor at low-performing campuses leave the ceilings sagging at higher-performing schools”. Miles even said at the end of last year he should have done tiered autonomy sooner, yet it remains a mirage. Instead, HISD lost some of its finest principals and teachers. Of course, they were snatched up by other districts. HISD is helping solve educator quality issue for surrounding districts. 😢
“We tend to think Miles also deflects blame on more substantive missteps and seems to stubbornly resist reflection.” Such an unflattering characteristic.
Jim, as a good friend of his, I wish you would talk to him about these things. I thought the Chronicle was clear they want him to be successful.
A race to the bottom between a failing newspaper and a morally bankrupt union. Which will turn out to be the worst?
I understand that opposing a teachers union means that you are racist. I expect you to bring your dues with you to the meeting, Jim.
I am not worthy.
Apologies in advance for the length, but I have a lot to say.
I thought the Chronicle did a good job of capturing why people might not think now is a good time for a bond this size. “From the get-go, Miles has been dogged by sloppy implementation, tone deaf communication and basic logistics flubs. “ I can list lots, but remember when he sent out the email that said teachers couldn’t be absent after a holiday or staff development day. Totally unenforceable like someone can control when kids are sick or their husband dies. Of course, he had to back off, but he made a lot of people mad for no gain, or recently when one of his folks nixed the band trip to the Sugar Bowl and the Houston mayor had to step in and get reversed.
“Recently, even some on the board of managers, typically amenable to Miles’ agenda, signaled concern about the district’s finances, passing Miles’ $2.1 billion budget by only a slim 5-4 margin.”
These are the hand picked folks who are always in lock step. They are not the union. Miles isn’t great with money, and this budget isn’t at all equitable for low SES children. He took from the majority of students to fund- expand his NES project/bricks and mortar funding. A higher number of children are in non NES schools including a higher number of low ses students. These schools were already under funded, and the result was teacher cuts. Further, the vast majority of enrollment loss last year was in NES schools.
“He seems bent on fixing what isn’t broken, which isn’t only a waste of limited resources, it’s potentially harmful if attempts to bring up the floor at low-performing campuses leave the ceilings sagging at higher-performing schools”. Miles even said at the end of last year he should have done tiered autonomy sooner, yet it remains a mirage. Instead, HISD lost some of its finest principals and teachers. Of course, they were snatched up by other districts. HISD is helping solve educator quality issue for surrounding districts. 😢
“We tend to think Miles also deflects blame on more substantive missteps and seems to stubbornly resist reflection.” Such an unflattering characteristic.
Jim, as a good friend of his, I wish you would talk to him about these things. I thought the Chronicle was clear they want him to be successful.
The concept of opportunity cost comes to mind
How is our girl Michelle doing with that retaliation case or whatever it was?